This article details how North Carolina’s transportation crews and the NCDOT are spending on brine to keep roads safe during winter storms, breaking down recent expenditures and comparing costs from 2022 and early 2025. With each gallon costing 15 cents, crews have already applied over 300,000 gallons ahead of an impending storm across several counties. Besides brine, taxpayers also foot the bill for equipment, gas, overtime, and potentially contracted labor, all within a $3.8 million winter maintenance budget. The report highlights that even though the frequency of brining remains similar between years, this week’s storm could be the costliest due to the increased use of brine and possible extra work like tree-cutting to handle hazardous ice situations.

Key Points:

• Cost of Brine: Each gallon costs 15 cents; recent uses include 311,000 gallons ($46,650), amongst other significant quantities.
• Storm Comparisons: Detailed cost comparisons between winter storms in 2022 and 2025, with 2025 showing higher total brine costs.
• Budget Considerations: All expenses, including equipment, gas, and overtime, are managed under a $3.8 million budget.
• Additional Costs: Outside contractors may be brought in for tree cutting if ice makes branches hazardous.
• Weather Impact: The upcoming storm could deliver anywhere from less than an inch to 6 inches of snow with potential risky icy conditions.

Why did the road bring a bucket of brine to the party? It heard it was going to be a “slick” event!
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